James Spann: Alabama will see falling heat levels; scattered showers through the weekend

NOT AS HOT: Heat levels will be a bit lower across Alabama through the weekend … afternoon highs will range from the upper 80s over the northern half of the state to the low 90s across the southern counties. Look for a mix of sun and clouds daily with scattered showers and thunderstorms, most active from noon to midnight and mainly over the southern 2/3 of the state. The chance of any one spot seeing rain each afternoon is in the 35-45% range.

NEXT WEEK: Global models continue to advertise a refreshing airmass change for the Deep South next week as dry, continental air drops in from the north. Humidity levels will be lower, and nights cooler. Many North Alabama communities should dip into the 50s by mid-week, with highs in the 78-82 degree range. A nice preview of fall, and because of the dry air most of the week will be rain-free. See the video briefing for maps, graphics, and more details.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: It is week one for high school football across Alabama; we have some games tonight, most are tomorrow night. A few random showers or storms will be around during the first half of the games, especially over the southern 2/3 of the state. Temperatures will fall from the mid 80s at kickoff, into the upper 70s by the final whistle at most stadiums.

TROPICS: This morning Hurricane Erin, with winds of 105 mph, is about 205 miles east of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. It is moving to the north/northeast at 17 mph, and will accelerate into the North Atlantic this weekend, becoming post-tropical in the colder water.

There are two tropical waves behind Erin, one of them in the Central Atlantic has a 70% chance of development. But, this feature will turn northward into the open Atlantic and is no threat to land. Another wave is in the eastern Atlantic with a medium (40%) chance of development, but it will move into an unfavorable environment by the weekend.

No tropical storms or hurricanes are expected across the Gulf for the rest of August.

ON THIS DATE IN 1883: An estimated F5 tornado caused extensive damage to Rochester Minnesota on this day. The enormous roar was said to have warned most Rochester residents, as the massive funnel cut through the north side of town. Over 135 homes were destroyed, and another 200 damaged. Many of the 200 plus injuries were severe, and other deaths probably occurred but not listed as part of the 37 total mentioned. This damaging tornado eventually led to the formation of the Mayo Clinic.

ON THIS DATE IN 2021: Hurricane Grace made landfall on the coast of Mexico in the state of Veracruz at peak intensity, with winds of 120 mph (category three strength). In Haiti, Grace exacerbated effects from an earthquake three days prior to the passage of the storm. Streets were flooded and power outages were reported in Jamaica. In Mexico, the storm caused landslides and destroyed buildings. In total, Grace killed 16 people: 4 in Haiti and 12 in Mexico.

For more weather news and information from James Spann and his team, visit the Alabama Weather Network.